Cheerleaders to help local non-profit renovate gym

(HONOLULU, HI – Oct. 9, 2008) The Hawai‘i Pacific University Cheerleading Team will be joining the effort to help Cheer 808 Inc. renovate their gym, which is used by hundreds of local cheerleaders to create Hawai‘i’s only cheer-exclusive facility. The team will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, October 10 at 1251 Mo‘okaula Street in Kalihi.

“When they are not practicing for performances, studying or winning six consecutive national championship titles, the HPU cheerleaders are happy to assist locally through community services and do so many times a year,” said Travis Thomason, Cheer 808 Inc. program director and coach. “Hawai‘i Pacific’s assistance completing the renovation of Cheer 808 Inc. is a vital part of the gym’s success, hence, the success of our local youth.”

The cheerleaders will be doing various cleaning jobs around the 6,000 square foot facility including debris removal, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleanse, wall cleanse, painting and organizing.

“This is a great opportunity for HPU cheerleaders to create an ideal facility for Cheer 808’s young athletes,” said Garrin Gosnell, Cheer 808 Inc. head coach.

Cheer 808 Inc. was founded in 2005 by owner Lynn Barbasa with the goal of creating a safe, positive, productive learning environment for Hawaii’s youth. This facility serves as a stepping-stone to a brighter future of education and social sustainability. Cheer 808 Inc. is committed to creating amazingly talented athletes on and off the competitive floor. The company is focused on establishing a desire for lifelong success and ambition for tomorrow through the education of today.

Hawai‘i Pacific University is the state’s largest private university with more than 8,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. HPU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Council on Social Work Education, and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.